A joint venture between Google and several healthcare and research technology organizations is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to develop customized hearing aids.
Announced earlier this year, the project sees the tech giant partner with cochlear implant manufacturer Cochlear, members of the Macquarie University Hearing Center (NAL), the Shepherd Center and NextSense.
Google said it is developing hearing devices that rely on artificial intelligence to respond to individual listening needs.
According to Google, such technology is particularly useful for those who use hearing aids in noisy environments such as restaurants, live performances or public transport. Using artificial intelligence, developers can better identify and distinguish between sound sources, such as a person speaking, making it easier for hearing aids to have a conversation. New technology has a big impact on those who use these devices.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.5 billion people currently have hearing loss, and that number could increase to more than 2.5 billion by 2050. The CDC estimates that the annual cost of undiagnosed hearing loss worldwide is $980.
“We look forward to working with our partners to build on this work and create tools for and by people who are deaf or hard of hearing,” Google said in a statement. “Because as long as there are obstacles, we have jobs.”
